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Pettis vs Thomson at UFC on Fox 9

The main event for UFC Fight Night on FOX December 14 has been verbally agreed to as UFC lightweight world champion Anthony "Showtime" Pettis will defend his title against number-five ranked contender Josh "The Punk" Thomson.

Pettis recently reclaimed the belt from Benson Henderson, from whom he'd won the WEC lightweight title in 2010, via a first-round armbar that earned Submission of the Night honors. Thomson most recently earned a Knockout of the Night bonus for his highlight-reel finish of Nate Diaz. Neither Henderson nor Diaz had previously been stopped in their UFC careers.

Top-ranked TJ Grant, who'd been expected to challenge for the title at UFC 164 before being injured, tweeted an update on Monday night. "I am still not yet 100% and can't commit to fight," he wrote. "It sucks but it is the best for both myself and the UFC. Please don't worry. I'll be back."

I do not know how anyone thinks Pettis will walk through Thompson. He might win but this is be a barn burner. Thompson has always showed in the past that he is a gamer on the big stage. I am taking Pettis by razor thin split decision that most people will think Thompson won.

Dude, Iím a wrestler. Iím the best wrestler in MMA. Wrestling IS, was and always has been the most dominate form of mix martial art on the planet. Thatís all there is to it. We all know it, some people want to fight it, some people want doubt it but wresters rule the MMA world. -
Ben Askren

There's no way Pettis wins by whatever he wants or makes it a landslide. Josh's proven time in and time out that he can hang with top guys in the standup as well as on the ground.

What I'm interested in seeing is the speed difference in the cage. Thomson generally enjoys a distinct striking speed advantage and uses it pretty well. Pettis has as well. I think being first in this fight is key.

You say shark I say hey man, Jaws was never my scene and I don't like Star Wars

There's no way Pettis wins by whatever he wants or makes it a landslide. Josh's proven time in and time out that he can hang with top guys in the standup as well as on the ground.

What I'm interested in seeing is the speed difference in the cage. Thomson generally enjoys a distinct striking speed advantage and uses it pretty well. Pettis has as well. I think being first in this fight is key.

This is what I don't get either. Josh has always been known to overtrain and get injured, and yet always shows up for a fight. He is a very smart fighter and I think he will surprise a lot of people against Pettis. Pettis has been such a stud lately, but I'm definitely rooting for Josh all the way.